At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure stability and security of IT infrastructure in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Leading manufacturing business with an ambitious systems development programme.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, skill development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for less experienced candidates to develop their skills further.
- Why this job: Join a team where your skills can grow while making a real impact on operations.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in network/infrastructure roles; strong Windows Server and networking knowledge.
An exciting opportunity is now available for an IT Network/Systems Engineer to join a leading manufacturing business with an ambitious systems development program. The role may also provide the opportunity for ambitious and driven Systems/Network or Security Engineers, with less experience, to develop their skills and experience further.
Main Purpose of Role
To ensure the stability, security, and performance of the organisation's core IT infrastructure supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation. This includes responsibility for servers, networks, identity (Active Directory), backups and disaster recovery, monitoring, and the day-to-day cybersecurity posture. The role will work closely with the OT & Data Systems Engineer to ensure factory connectivity and OT segmentation are secure, reliable, and aligned with production requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and maintain core server and virtualisation platforms (e.g., Hyper-V) including capacity, performance, and lifecycle planning.
- Own core networking (switching/routing/Wi-Fi) including VLAN design and segmentation to protect OT and business-critical services.
- Manage firewalls, VPNs, and secure remote access; ensure third-party access is time-bound, least-privilege, and logged where possible.
- Manage Active Directory and Group Policy; maintain secure, standardised configurations and access governance.
- Lead patch management for servers and core infrastructure (including planned maintenance and communication of downtime).
- Own monitoring and alerting for infrastructure and security controls; ensure alerts are triaged and responded to appropriately.
- Maintain and validate backup strategy; perform regular restore testing; keep DR runbooks current and practical.
- Support endpoint security posture in partnership with Support Technician (baseline standards, compliance reporting, escalation handling).
- Act as technical escalation for the Support Technician and provide coaching/upskilling to improve first-time fix and consistency.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation (network diagrams, configuration records, incident write-ups, DR procedures).
Security Responsibilities
- Maintain endpoint/server protection configuration and investigate high-severity alerts (e.g., XDR detections) in coordination with the IT Manager.
- Maintain vulnerability and patch governance; reduce attack surface through secure baselines and hardening.
- Support SIEM processes where applicable (alert triage, evidence capture, escalation paths).
- Ensure vendor access aligns to governance (MFA, time-bound access, segmentation, approved tooling).
Skills & Experience
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build trusted relationships across Operations, Engineering, Finance, and site teams.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Calm, structured approach to incident handling in a time-critical environment.
Experience
- 3+ years' experience in a complex network/Infrastructure role (or equivalent).
- Strong knowledge of Windows Server and core services.
- Hands-on experience with virtualisation and backup/DR concepts.
- Strong networking fundamentals (switching, VLANs, routing, Wi-Fi) and firewall/VPN administration.
- Demonstrable experience implementing or maintaining security controls.
- Desirable: Experience in manufacturing / 24/7 operational environments.
- PowerShell scripting for automation and standardisation.
- Familiarity with common tooling referenced in the current environment.
- Basic awareness of SQL, SSRS, Power BI and reporting dependencies.
- Experience working to change control and documenting technical environments and incidents.
Interested, please contact Graeme at Vibe Recruit or apply now! Vibe Recruit is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
IT Systems & Security Engineer in Banbury employer: Vibe Recruit
Join a leading manufacturing business that prioritises innovation and employee development, offering a dynamic work environment where your skills as an IT Systems & Security Engineer can flourish. With a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, you'll have access to extensive training opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge technology in a 24/7 operational setting. Enjoy a supportive culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth, making it an excellent place for ambitious individuals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Systems & Security Engineer in Banbury
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Vibe Recruit values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Vibe Recruit might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Vibe Recruit!
✨Direct Apply to Vibe Recruit
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Vibe Recruit website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Systems & Security Engineer in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Vibe Recruit.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Vibe Recruit. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vibe Recruit
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
